Controversial plans for a 5G mast near a school have been rejected.

MP Gordon Henderson led the protests against the 15-metre pole at Minster Road, Halfway on Sheppey, proposed by telecomms company Cignal Infrastructure.

He said the position of the mast on the pavement would cause a hazard for pedestrians, including parents and children attending Halfway Primary School 300 metres away.

However, it has now been refused prior approval.

Director of regeneration and neighbourhoods for Swale council, Emma Wiggins, said in her report: “The proposed mast and ancillary equipment cabinets, by virtue of its siting, height and appearance, would result in an incongruous, prominent and visually intrusive structure that would be significantly harmful to the character and appearance of the area.

“This identified and significant harm would outweigh the benefits of the proposal.”

The mast would have seen it positioned directly in front of Halfway Houses Primary School and Halfway Car Park.

Mr Henderson believes it would have blocked the narrow pavement leading to both and cause a danger to pedestrians.

The 75-year-old Tory said: "I think it was an inappropriate place to put the mast right in the centre of Halfway.

"So it's location was something I was very concerned about, rather than the 5G debate generally.

"It is an unsightly piece of equipment, so sticking it where it was proposed means I'm delighted it has been turned down."

Speaking previously, he added: “It would also potentially be dangerous when the car park and its surrounding pavements are very busy - particularly at school drop off and picking up times where it could add to overcrowding.

“Halfway is a densely-populated community and I believe there are better, less obtrusive sites, than the proposed location.”

The portrayal of 5G masts continues to divide opinion and spark health fears, with some concerned about the effects of exposure to radiation.

However, 5G uses non-ionising short radio waves which the government and World Health Organisation insist are safe.